Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part B (2023)

This research paper explores the international legal aspects of euthanasia, focusing on variations in laws and societal perspectives. The analysis encompasses key countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, England, and Switzerland. The study reveals diverse approaches, from the legalization of euthanasia in some regions to its criminalization in others. In Australia, the Northern Territory's pioneering legalization of euthanasia in 1996, subsequently reinforced by the Euthanasia Laws Act of 1997, stands in contrast to the criminalization in most Australian states. Canada grants patients the right to refuse life-sustaining treatments but does not permit euthanasia or assisted suicide. In the United States, a nuanced approach distinguishes between passive and active euthanasia, with the latter being illegal, as affirmed by Supreme Court decisions. The United Kingdom's House of Lords recognizes the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment and allows non-voluntary euthanasia in cases of patients in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). Switzerland criminalizes assisted suicide only if motivated by selfishness, making euthanasia illegal but physician-assisted suicide legal. Shifting the focus to India, the paper discusses the legal stance on euthanasia, emphasizing its illegality. While voluntary euthanasia, with the patient's consent, falls under culpable homicide, non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia are deemed illegal. Assisted suicide is also prohibited under the Indian Penal Code. The study examines the constitutional dimensions, referencing the right to life under Article 21, and delves into the Medical Council of India's ethical guidelines. The research underscores the global diversity in euthanasia legislation and its profound ethical implications. It provides a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape in India, offering insights into the complex interplay between constitutional rights, medical ethics, and societal values in the context of end-of-life decisions.